In Touch News with Kesgrave March 2019

In Touch

™© ™©

with Kesgrave & Rushmere

Volume 9 • Issue No. 5 • MARCH 2019

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Robin by David Schenck, Ipswich and District Photographic Exhibition, p6

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I hope you value the fact that we aim to produce a monthly magazine with a balance of advertising and editorial content, providing essential information about products and services we all require and supporting local business in doing so, while also providing relevant local news which enables residents to engage with the local community and keep in touch with local news and events. As editor I juggle this rather delicate balance very carefully and encourage readers to support the advertisers who enable Mansion House Publishing (MHP) to design, print and deliver the magazine every month and to support an enormous range of fundraising activities and charities.

You’ll find quite a few in this edition and I hope you can support the efforts of those who make them happen.

One which I’d like to highlight this month, and which we have made a commitment to support until the project has been completed, is The Blossom Appeal, a Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals charity set up to develop a £2.5 million Breast Centre at Ipswich Hospital. The new centre will bring all elements of breast care at Ipswich Hospital under one roof and provide an environment where patients can be imaged, biopsied where necessary, and see their clinician in one appointment without the need to get dressed and undressed several times. There will also be new dedicated clinics for men and young people.

We’ll provide regular updates, promote fundraising events and let you know how you can help. Right now they are looking for people to open their gardens in 2019. All types and size of garden are welcome. You choose when to open.

Simply ask visitors for a donation to view your garden and sell refreshments, plants or crafts to boost your fundraising. Register your garden at www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/opengardens or for more information contact: charity@esneft.nhs.uk / 0300 770 1369 To find out more about The Blossom Appeal please visit: www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/breast

InTouch

with Kesgrave & Rushmere

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Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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Send editorial copy to: kesgrave@intouchnews.co.uk

Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication.The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Kesgrave & Rushmere is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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NEWS IPSWICH SPORTS CLUB FOR THE DISABLED Ipswich Sports Club for the Disabled meets at Northgate Sports Centre every Tuesday between 7 and 9pm. Our wheelchair basketball section plays ablebodied teams such as the police, church groups, scouts, work groups and groups of friends. This year we find two of those groups are unable to make their allotted slots on more than six occasions If you run a youth group or are a group of workmates who would like to do something different, come and have a go. We would love to hear from you and we would supply the wheelchairs.

For more information contact Alwyn Basford: 01473 624548 / alwyn.basford@sky.com

SPARK ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SPARK will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, April 6 in the Deben Room at Kesgrave Community Centre commencing at 7.30pm.

A full agenda will be available at the meeting together with minutes of the last AGM. You are most welcome to attend, but if you require any further information please use the contacts you find at: www.kesgrave-spark.org.uk

HEADWAY SUFFOLK MARTLESHAM DEMENTIA GROUP Headway Suffolk runs a monthly social support group for people with dementia in Martlesham. It takes place every fourth Thursday of the month at St Michael’s Church Centre, The Drift in Martlesham from 11.45am to 3.15pm. The person with dementia must be accompanied by a carer.

The group partake in a variety of stimulating and engaging games and activities. It costs £6, which includes a fish and chip lunch and refreshments.

The next group meeting is on Thursday, March 28.

Find out more at: www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/dementiamartlesham The group relies on the goodwill of volunteers to help in the kitchen, with preparations and tidying away, as well as engaging clients in discussion and with various activities, such as indoor games, cognitive exercises and singing.

If you would like to make a referral or want to volunteer please contact Maureen Howes: 01473 712225 / maureenhowes@headwaysuffolk.org.uk

THE MASQUE PLAYERS This thriller from the Queen of Crime is set on a foggy estate in Wales and opens as a stranger walks into the house to find the owner murdered and his wife standing with a gun in hand by the body.

The guest decides to help and hatches a plan to shift the blame away from the wife and onto a possible intruder. The police find clues that lead to many possible suspects and twists before the real culprit is finally revealed.

Come and see The Masque Players latest production at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.30pm each evening from Wednesday 27 to Saturday, March 30.

Tickets (£9) can be reserved by calling 01473 725633.

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NEWS NEW ANGLE PRIZE FOR LITERATURE Entries have now been received for the fifth biennial New Angle Prize for Literature, awarded to celebrate and encourage excellence in the regional literature of East Anglia. The competition is organised by the Ipswich Institute and sponsored by Gotelee Solicitors and Scrutton Bland accountants. With a prize of £2,000 and £500 for the runner-up, the award is for recently published books of literary merit associated with or influenced by East Anglia.

The judges for 2019 are: Julia Blackburn: Poet and author of fiction and non-fiction, Her most recent book, Threads, won the East Anglian Book of the Year Award in 2015 and the 2017 New Angle Prize. Julia lives in Suffolk and sometimes in Italy.

Andrew Burton: Writer and teacher of playwriting and radio drama at University of Essex. Andrew has been on judging panels for playwriting and literature and also managed writer development programmes for Essex Book Festival.

Amanda Hodgkinson: An award winning, internationally bestselling novelist, journalist and lecturer. Her novel 22 Britannia Road won the Waterstone Award for best debut novel and the New Angle Prize EADT Readers Award in 2013. Amanda grew up on the Blackwater estuary in Essex and now lectures in creative writing at University of Suffolk.

Authors of the six short-listed books will attend a showcase book-reading event to be held at the Ipswich Institute on Wednesday, May 1 and prizewinners will be announced at a special awards dinner at Hintlesham Golf Club on Wednesday, July 3. Tickets for these events, which are open to nonmembers, are available from the Ipswich Institute. www.ipswichinstitute.org.uk / 01473 253992

KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL By the time this edition of In Touch reaches you, we are hoping the Tuesday evening youth club at the Millennium Hall will be open. Please check our website, town noticeboards or see any messages via Parentmail to find out more.

Kesgrave Market: Saturday, March 16, 9am-noon Rupert Fison Square Spring is in the air, especially around Kesgrave on market day. We can officially say goodbye to the winter blues and get a warm welcome from all our lovely local traders who will be there and would love to see you.

They have spring fresh locally grown produce, fresh baked breads and cakes along with some crafts stalls. March will have a colouring table and Lego building with supervision for children so mum and dad can shop at their leisure. After your shopping you can sit down and relax and have a hot drink from the café. The market takes place every third Saturday each month of the year. Browse around our great market and sample the terrific food and drink on offer. Enjoy!

Are you looking for a venue for a children’s birthday party? Then why not book one of our rooms at the Millennium Jubilee Hall in Kesgrave? The larger of the two rooms is suitable for a bouncy castle. It’s an excellent venue and has an all-purpose kitchen that you can use. Please telephone the town council office and ask for Malcolm Clark or email: MJH@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk Kesgrave Town Council would like to welcome PCSO Gemma Read for Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew. You can contact Gemma via email (Gemma.Read@suffolk.pnn. police.uk) or telephone on 101 (non-emergency number).

Please note change of date!

The Senior Citizens Outing to Felixstowe will be on Monday, August 19, and not Tuesday 20 as previously stated.

Kesgrave Town Council 01473 625179 / enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk Office Opening Days and Hours Monday: 9am-1pm / Tuesday: 9am-1pm Wednesday: 9am-3pm / Thursday: Not open Friday: 9am-1pm

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RUSHMERE ST ANDREW PARISH COUNCIL Local Parish Council Elections Local parish council elections take place in May this year. Can you answer ‘yes’ to these questions?

Are you a UK citizen, Commonwealth citizen or citizen of any member state of the EU? Are you 18 or over and on the electoral register of the parish?

Is your principal place of work in Rushmere St Andrew or do you own a property in the parish for 12 months or more? (other terms & conditions may apply) Then have you thought about representing your community and making a difference by becoming a local parish councillor?

The parish council is responsible for the well-being of the parish of Rushmere St Andrew. Councillors represent the local community, deliver services to meet local needs and improve the local quality of life.

As part of the parish council you are asked for comments on planning applications in the area and the provision of a range of services including; community buildings, allotments, playing fields and equipment, support to community groups, luncheon clubs, youth clubs, newsletters, website, village signs, festivals, footpath maintenance, street lighting, allotments, cemeteries, traffic calming as well as other facilities which enhance the life of the parish.

So if you can dedicate a few hours a month including evening meetings, are concerned about the local quality of life and community identity, believe you can offer fresh ideas, want to represent the views of local people and feel you have business and personal skills and expertise to contribute, maybe you should look further into the rewarding role of a parish councillor. You will be given training and you will find a wealth of experience on Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council to learn from.

If you wish to stand as a parish councillor for Rushmere St Andrew or require further details, in the first instance, please contact Parish Clerk Sylvia Stannard at: sylvia.stannard@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council is planning a litter pick.

If you are interested in getting involved, or run a group that would like to help please email the assistant parish clerk: sarah.jenkins@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk For details about what’s happening in the parish of Rushmere St Andrew: please visit: www.rushmerestandrew.onesuffolk.net

RANSOMES & RAPIER ANNUAL REUNION Sunday, March 31 at Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave IP5 1EE All ex-employees, families and friends are welcomed from 12.30 to 5pm.

Come and see fascinating artefacts, documents and videos and meet up with old friends at a really enjoyable event.

See what new stories and pictures have surfaced.

Food and drinks will be available to buy at very reasonable cost.

Admission is only £2.50.

For more information contact: 07910 659219 / derek@dclarke.me.uk

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM SURGERY PRACTICE & PATIENT GROUP (PPG) NEWS We were pleased to hear, at our February meeting, that patients can now book appointments in advance as well as on the day.

Last year, when the practice was experiencing a shortage of doctors, it wasn’t possible to allocate appointment spaces in advance in case demand for urgent appointments on the day exceeded those that were left. However, now we have the full complement of two doctors throughout the week (MonFri), half of all appointments are now reserved for one-the-day bookings and half can be booked ahead.

How long you will need to wait for non-urgent appointments will depend on who you want to see as two of our doctors only work one day per week (Monday & Friday). If you are happy to see one of the other doctors, advance appointments should normally be available within one-two weeks. In order for this system to work for everyone, please let the reception staff know if your appointment can wait a few days.

If you are interested in joining the PPG or would like to know more about what we do, please email MartPPG@gmx.com or leave your contact details with reception marked ‘FAO PPG’.

KESGRAVE CANASTA CLUB Meets at the Royal British Legion Hall on Ropes Drive at 7.30pm and welcomes new players.

This month we meet on Wednesday March 20 and the dates up to July are Wednesdays, April 17, May 15, June 19 and July 17.

For more information contact Barbara Rose: 01473 622017

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, April 8: Sutton Hoo by Sally Sibley Sarah is a volunteer at Sutton Hoo. Using a combination of slides, commentary and replica objects she will cover information about the site, some of the more influential characters in its history, its links with neighbouring sites and the specifics of the excavations carried out during the 20th century, revealing previously unknown details about the Anglo-Saxon period. There will also be an opportunity to hear about the project to develop the site during the winter of 2018-19 to further visitors’ knowledge and understanding of this extraordinary necropolis.

Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm.

Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

BAWDSEY BIRD CLUB ANNUAL ILLUSTRATED TALK This year’s public illustrated talk, Saving Our Suffolk Swifts, will be given by Edward Jackson and takes place in Sutton Memorial Hall, Old Post Office Lane, Sutton, Nr Woodbridge IP12 3JQ on Saturday, March 30 at 7.30pm.

Our Swifts are in real trouble! Across the UK, we’ve lost over half of these iconic birds of summer in just over 20 years.

Join Edward from the Save Our Suffolk Swifts project for an informative and inspiring evening. You’ll learn about Swift life stories, the reasons for the rapid population declines and most importantly what we can all do to help these amazing birds by recording and protecting existing nest sites and installing nest boxes to create new ones.

Edward’s amazing enthusiasm for, and knowledge of how best to protect and encourage our Swifts to nest in Suffolk will enhance what promises to be an evening not to be missed, so why not join us? Everyone is welcome and light refreshments will be available during the interval.

Admission is £3 for adults and £1.50 for under-18s. There is ample free parking. For directions and further information please contact: wa@sandlings.co.uk / 01394 411422

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING Join us ar St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm. For more information contact: Helen at howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 John at johnaadams1942@gmail.com / 01473 710406

IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY ANNUAL EXHIBITION Ipswich & District PS stages its 2019 Annual Exhibition in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Cornhill Ipswich IP1 1DH from Tuesday 5 to Saturday, March 16, 10am-5pm each day (closed Sundays and Monday, March 11 and at 4pm on Saturday 16). Entrance is free and visitors are very welcome. There will be prize draw for visitors to win a framed image of their choice.

Nearly 300 prints and 250 digital images (on wide screen TV) will be on display covering a wide range of genres including monochrome and colour, landscape, pictorial, creative, record, photojournalism, sport, record, portraiture and natural history. In all some 40 members of the society will have their work exhibited.

The exhibition is always independently selected. This year, from around 1,000 entries, the prints where selected by Chris Palmer FRPS EFIAP DPAGB APAGB and the projected digital images by Ian Wilson ARPS. IDPS has an impressive collection of silverware to be presented for the best image in each of the genres. The trophies and awards will be presented by the Worshipful the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Jane Riley at the society’s annual awards dinner at the Ipswich and Suffolk Club. This will include the Mayor’s Cup for the image selected personally by the mayor as the Best in Exhibition at a preview on Tuesday, March 5 at 3.30pm.

IDPS continues to be one of the largest photographic societies in East Anglia and one of the leading photographic clubs in the country. The society meets at Burlington Baptist Church Centre, London Road, Ipswich IP1 2EZ. Meetings are on Mondays at 7.30pm. For further information visit www.idps.org.uk and for membership enquiries email: membership@idps.org.uk The IDPS programme includes lectures, competitions and practical meetings including evenings when new members can get help and advice.

IDPS particularly welcomes new members whatever their photographic experience.

Exhibition Secretary David Robinson ARPS

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE CO-OP GUILD Mrs Everett, our chairman, welcomed members on Tuesday, January 22 and introduced Sheila Innes who gave us a lovely insight into the working life of a shepherdess. Sheila was so enthusiastic and interesting as she explained the lambing season, the shearing of the sheep and the process of looking after them. She is about to return to the Middle East and travels all over the world advising in the welfare of sheep. She promised to bring along orphan lambs at a later date if any become available.

The AGM was held after refreshments and Mrs Everett thanked the committee for their hard work. Members voted for the committee to remain the same for 2019. The annual subscription will remain at £15 and the meeting fee will also remain at £2.50 to include a raffle ticket and refreshments. Our financial position enabled the committee to ask members to agree to £1,000 to be given to charity and it was unanimously agreed that that £500 would be given to 1st Kesgrave Scout Association and £500 to the Children’s Appeal at Ipswich Hospital.

Sadly our oldest member, Ruby Lee, had died and many members planned to attend her funeral on Thursday, January 24.

On Tuesday, February 6 Roger Fern, the chairman of Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance, gave a very informative talk about dementia. He explained the many different forms of the disease and how he and the alliance are raising awareness in the area and training employees from local shops and businesses. Most of us will have experience of friends and family living with dementia and Roger helped us understand how to be a Dementia Friend.

The hut has been booked at Felixstowe for July 16 and we have organised a coach trip on Friday, September 13 to the Cambridge American Cemetery followed by a visit to a large garden centre and shopping area nearby. There will also be a mystery tour with afternoon tea in the summer.

NEXT MEETINGS Tuesday, March 5: The treasures found at Sutton Hoo were very important and changed our ideas about Britain in the Dark Ages, now referred to as The Age of Migration. Dr David Phelan takes us through this change and then shows and explains the relevance of what was found in the great ship and why we now know it to be the burial place of East Anglia’s first King, King Raedwald AD625.

Tuesday, March 19: Pip Wright, a retired teacher, talks about Joe Whistlecraft and his family poachers from Rickinghall in Suffolk.

Joe died in 1960 having been convicted over 100 times, mainly for poaching. He was one of a notorious family who, nevertheless, are fondly remembered by many who knew them.

Tuesday, April 2: Ann Wilding will be demonstrating the art of Iris folding which is done by arranging and layering strips of paper or fabric in a spiralled pattern that resembles the iris of a camera lens, which is how this craft got its name.This craft technique can be used to create cards and pictures.

Tuesday, April 16: Barbara Faulkner will be entertaining us again with her love of hats. After her Ascot talk last year, we can look forward to a very amusing evening.

Tuesday, April 30: Paul from Hills Jewellers will be our speaker and is happy to value and advise on members’ jewellery.

We welcome new members who can visit for two meetings before joining. The annual membership is £15 and we charge £2.50 per meeting to including refreshments and raffle tickets. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the community centre. The guild holds 23 meetings a year plus other trips and events. For more information please contact Gloria Everett: 01473 614991 www.kesgravecoopwomensguild.onesuffolk.net

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SPRING PROGRAMME FOCUSES ON PIONEERS As we head towards spring, U3A members in East Suffolk can look forward to a varied and interesting range of topics to stimulate and excite the brain cells! The programme is wide ranging, as always, and includes talks about pioneering individuals like explorer Mary Kingsley, Dr Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and plant hunter Joseph Hooker.

Thursday, March 4, 10.30am at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall Field Marshall Earl Haig: Lion or Donkey? by John Lilley An examination of the facts surrounding a rather controversial First World War leader Thursday, March 14, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall Meet Mary Kingsley by Louise Reed The life of an explorer who travelled alone in the 1890s to West Africa Friday, March 15, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall Perils of a Plant Hunter by Geoff Hales Joseph Hooker’s career as a plant hunter in the Antarctic and the jungles of Sikkim Monday, March 25, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and her Circle by Jennifer Jones The story of a pioneering doctor and other enterprising women of her time Thursday, April 4, 10.30am at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall The Shipping Forecast by Tony Diamond Thursday, April 11, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall Being a Woman Racing Driver and Racing at Le Mans by Celia Stevens U3A promises a warm welcome to existing and potential members. All details of membership are available on the website. Alternatively call the membership secretary on 0300 123 3913. Occasionally U3A may have to make last minute changes so please see the website for the most up-to-date information: www.a3aeastsuffolk.org.uk

BROKE HALL WI We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. We also have monthly clubs, walks, meals out, darts, crafts, theatre trips, outing and visits.

Friday, March 8: Pearly Kings and Queens by Gerry Baxter Friday, April 12: A Lighthearted Look at the Changing Face of Funerals with Sarah Waterston Friday, May 10: Resolutions (no speaker) For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).

WILL YOU OPEN YOUR GARDEN IN 2019?

Help us to raise £2.5m to build a new breast care centre at Ipswich Hospital. We are looking for people to open their gardens in 2019 to raise money for the Blossom Appeal. Our vision is for every breast care patient to have the best possible experience when they come to Ipswich Hospital.

All types and size of garden are very welcome. You choose when to open.

Simply ask visitors for a donation to view your garden. Sell refreshments, plants or crafts to boost your fundraising.

To help us to blossom, register your garden at: www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/opengardens Or for more information contact: charity@esneft.nhs.uk / 0300 770 1369

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OUT & ABOUT YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET A little bit of love…

Generosity, kindness, a delight in bringing a bit of light into other’s lives: is it catching? I took part in a FareShare fill-a-shopping-trolley scheme in a local supermarket before Christmas. People told me heart-warming stories about being part of their church’s cooking programme and about adventures delivering meals to people at home. One person put an armful of tins and packets into the trolley saying, “I needed this last year and I want to give back”.

Of course there were a few who hadn’t time or didn’t want to know, but others filled the trolley in just a few hours and it went to those in need.

A little bit goes a long way and kindness is free.

After Valentine’s Day, there’s Mother’s Day on March 31, then the inevitable choc-fest that’s Easter. Hot cross buns are in the shops and chocolate eggs and bunnies have been there since Christmas, it seems. Simple delights like traditional simnel cakes, little nests of fluffy knitted chicks and jolly spring flowers remind me of my primary school projects. Our bakers and crafters have much higher standards than the six-year-old me and their produce can tingle just as many memories. Why not think about a special commission for your mum, a card, cake or lovely wooden bowl, beaded necklace or warm scarf? And why not get our bakers to cater for your Easter party or have little hand-made goodies in party bags for guests large and small.

Our popular weekly Country Market is in Martlesham Heath Pavilion from 9-11.15am every Tuesday morning. Handmade, home-grown, artisanbaked… all locally produced, and now we offer card payments too. It couldn’t be simpler.

Want to join us? We need more cooks and craftspeople. Call in or phone Margaret Gayfer: 01473 623849

UPCOMING EVENTS Monthly Business Networking: Sponsored by Bates Wells & Braithwaite Solicitors, these events take place in the conference centre on the second Tuesday of every month from 9.30-11.30am.

No membership fees; just turn up and pay £2 on the door (donated to St Elizabeth Hospice). Contact: jo@kwmcc.co.uk Saturday, March 9, 2-4pm: Mum2Mum Market £2 admission on the door. Buy top quality pre-loved baby and children’s clothes, toys books and equipment. For more information call Katharine: 07903 585334 Saturday, March 16, 7pm: Is There More?

You are invited to the launch night film screening of Is There More?. Tickets are free! Find out more at: www.istheremore.film Saturday, March 23: Suffolk Dyslexia Association Information Day 10.30am-4.30pm. Interesting and informative workshops and information stands. For more information visit: https://suffolkdyslexiaassociation.org.uk Wednesday 27 – Saturday, March 30: Agatha Christies The Unexpected Guest presented by The Masque Players: Performance time 7.30pm, tickets £9. Call 01473 725633 or for more information visit: www.masqueplayers.com Saturday, April 13: Black Sheep Party Nights

MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia Everyone is welcome at our Annual General Meeting on Friday, March 8 at 7.45pm at St Michael’s Church Centre Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL. We will be reviewing the past year, and electing our new committee.

Dancing doesn’t stop at 29! 80s & 90s night with Black Sheep Parties, from 7.45pm-midnight (doors open at 7.30pm). Dressing up is optional but encouraged. Tickets are £10 (in advance, none on door) at: www.blacksheepparties.co.uk Saturday, April 27: Stamp Fair Ipswich Philatelic Society will be holding their annual stamp fair, 10am-4pm.

We are holding our spring concert on Sunday, April 28 at 3pm, also in St Michael’s Church Centre. More details about this next month, but please put the date in your diary.

If you would like further information on KWMCC activities or events, or to book a function room, please contact the centre on 01473 612648 or visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk

Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to have a go! If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below.

MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY

Publicity Officer Liz Howard: e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617

Friday, March 1, 7.30-10pm: Andy White presents Old Spooky

www.martleshambrass.co.uk

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND

An RAF armourer’s tale about Phantom Phixing, from the early ’mud moovin’ days to the RAF Museum at Hendon, told from an engineer’s perspective.

Andy served for 14 years on RAF Phantoms in the UK and the Falkland Islands.

His service covered the early ground attack era to the air defence role.

Monday, March 11: A New View Down the River Deben Valley – Prehistoric, Roman and Saxon Archaeology along the East Anglia One Cable Route

We meet at Martlesham Heath Community Centre on Felixstowe Road.

Admission on arrival is £3 for members and £4 for non-members.

Over the last two years archaeologist Andy Peachey has been working on the East Anglia One cable route. He will talk about the amazing and unexpected finds discovered during this work, some close to Martlesham, including an exciting array of new settlement evidence and artefacts that may coincide with the earliest settlements and agriculture in the region approximately 4,000 years BC, some of which were featured on BBC4’s Digging for Britain last year and in the local press.

01473 274300 / www.mhas.org.uk

This fascinating talk will be on Monday, March 11, 7.30pm at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. The venue is fully accessible with adjacent free parking. Light refreshments will be available.

For further information about this event and the music fund please contact the Burrows family on 01473 625196 or visit: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

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KESGRAVE ART CLUB At Kesgrave Art Club we are trying to increase our membership.

We are a group of very friendly amateur artists of varying abilities, ages and styles. We meet every Tuesday morning at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

If you are an artist or would like to have a go, we are only too willing to help.

Why not drop in and give us a look or ring Mick Sumner: (01473 499103 / 07709 614795) for more details

In Touch online:

Registered Charity No. 305661

IPSWICH SCOUTS & GUIDES PRESENT

2019 Great School Theatre, Ivry Street, Ipswich

10th - 13th April 2019 7.15pm Matinee Performance 13th April - 2.15pm

Tickets available from

Craftability, St Lawrence Street, Ipswich

Box Office: 01473 561004 www.ipswichgangshow.org.uk With support from

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

● Stainfree & Wool Carpet ● Luxury vinyl tiles ● Vinyl ● Woven & Natural Flooring 01473 626 097 | info@debencarpetsandflooring.co.uk Unit N Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, IP5 3RY www.debencarpetsandflooring.co.uk @Debencarpets /DebenCarpetsAndFlooring

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) The following craft activities will take place during March.

• Sunday 3: Zoom! Zoom! Zoom! We’re going to the moon! Pop along and create a rocket bookmark, so you never lose your page again.

• Sunday 10: It’s 30 years since We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury was published. Make a teddy bear decoration to celebrate the anniversary of this amazing book.

• Sunday 17: It’s St Patrick’s Day today. Create a Leprechaun to celebrate.

• Sunday 24: Next Sunday is Mother’s Day. Design a card to give to someone special.

• Sunday 31: It’s nearly April. Make an April showers picture. What colour will your umbrella be?

Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go.

BookStart: Every Thursday (including holidays), Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am / BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Story Time Every Friday morning (term time only), 9.45-10.15am. This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome. Why not pop along?

OTHER LIBRARY EVENTS IN MARCH Lego Club: Every Tuesday in term time, 3.45-4.45pm. Parents must stay with under eights. The themes this month are: Tuesday 5: Pets, Tuesday 12: Birds, Tuesday 19: Rockets, Tuesday 26: Vehicles. No need to book. Just pop along! This is a free activity.

Knit and Natter: Wednesdays 6 & 20, 2.30pm, Just £1 with tea/coffee provided. Welcome to all new members.

Afternoon Book Group: Thursday 7, 2.45pm. Currently reading The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan.

Evening Book Group: Thursday 28, 7pm. Currently reading The Little Paris Book Shop by Nina George.

If you are interested in joining any of the groups, please ring or speak to a member of staff

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on March 19 when Nick Collinson, general manager for East Suffolk National Trust, will talk about the National Trust properties in East Suffolk. He will be placing particular emphasis on Sutton Hoo where major changes across the site have transformed the way in which the stories of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time are presented to the public. The meeting will be preceded by a short AGM. On April 16 an ambassador from Trinity House will talk about the lighthouses around our coast.

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary at: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 / www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

NEW FOR MARCH 2019 Sofa Storytime: Monday 11, 10-11am. These sessions are designed for parents and to read a variety of books and afterwards, to allow children to interact and play while you have a coffee and a chat.

IT Drop-In Sessions: Monday 18 at noon. Are you having problems getting your CV sorted or do you need help setting up an email address to apply for jobs online? Library staff are holding an IT drop-in session to help. Just pop along on this date and speak to the staff.

MacMillan Cancer Support Coffee Mornings: Fourth Monday morning of the month from 10am. This group is an opportunity to meet others, chat and offer each other support. Leaflets offering advice will be available.

Coffee, tea and biscuits will also be provided.

Donating Books: Having a spring clean and have too many books at home?

We are currently looking for good condition books to be donated to the library. We have two shelves in Tesco’s where we sell our donated books on to raise money for the library. Please speak to staff if have some books you would like to donate.

COMING IN APRIL Adult Colouring: Every Tuesday morning from 9am-noon. All materials provided. Just pop along and relax. £1 with tea/coffee and biscuits provided.

No need to book, just pop along.

Elmer the Elephant Afternoon: Tuesday, April 9, 2.30-4.30pm. We will be having a visit from Elmer the Elephant! Look out for posters advertising this event.

Maggie Lusher Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave 01473 626103 / www.suffolklibraries.co.uk NORMAL OPENING TIMES Monday: 9am-noon Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon & 2.30-6pm Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Happy New Year to all our crafting members past and present.

Crafters Unlimited is a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere with refreshments. We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm.

Thursday February 28: Rolling Penny Card (Emma) Thursday March 28: Yo Yo Chicks Thursday, April 25: 5D Diamond Pictures Thursday, May 30: Tic Tac Boxes New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850 PERRY KNIGHTS Margaret and family would like to thank all friends and relations for the warm wishes and tributes given for Perry and to all those who joined them at the Memorial Service on January 31.

Thank you also for the kind and generous donations which are being forwarded to Somersham Ward at Ipswich Hospital.

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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, March 28 at 7.15pm: A Suffolk Bevin Boy

Our 2019 program started with an interesting talk from Andrew Spira who took us on a fascinating journey through St Petersburg using examples of art and architecture.

Barbara Mcelroy tells the story of her father who, with thousands of others, expected to go into the forces but was instead conscripted by ballot to go down the mines in the Second World War, no excuses allowed. The talk looks at the reasons for the schedule, the conditions down the mines and subsequent problems.

In a change to our previously published program, on Wednesday, March 6, we are delighted to welcome Christopher Garibaldi as our guest speaker.

His subject is Treasures of the Turf; The Fine and Decorative Arts of Horse Racing. On April 3 our guest speaker is Simon Inglis with a talk entitled Beer and Skittles.

The talks throughout the year cover a broad spectrum of art. If this is something which appeals to you please come and meet us.

We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing promptly at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces.

Please contact Wendy Robbins before the day on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space.

For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

At the time of writing it doesn’t much feel like spring is on the way, but there are some hopeful signs: many buds and bulbs are peeping out, the mornings are much lighter and the days slightly longer.

Generally this is the time to get the ground ready for planting and also start some actual planting. Here’s what you can do: • sow seeds in a nursery bed for brussels sprouts, summer cabbage, broccoli, onions • sow into open ground in rows: early beetroot, carrot, lettuce, parsnip, spring onions, peas, broad beans and turnips • plant onion sets, shallots and garlic • sow in trays in the greenhouse: celeriac, celery, French beans and cauliflower • plant bare rooted fruit bushes – the damp soil is easier to dig • you can start planting out your early potatoes now with repeat sowings ‘til the end of the month, and also transplant out any early peas, broad beans, lettuce and cabbages Now is the time to apply general fertiliser after finishing any digging that needs to be done, as well as clearing off any old leaves. Don’t forget to clear the dead leaves off your strawberry plants too and cover them with fleece to protect from frosts if there are flowers developing.

Hopefully by the next article we’ll be experiencing warmer days and my trusty tortoise will venture out of hibernation!

Although we don’t have any vacant plots at the moment we are happy to keep names on a waiting list so do contact our membership secretary: Angela Brown: 01473 612283/membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk Sally Peckham www.kesgrave-allotments.org.uk

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We meet at the Co-op Education Centre. The pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. Just turn up and pay on the door.

For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk Picture published with permission from the Imperial War Museum

KESGRAVE WI The speaker at our February meeting was Wendy Smith, a Wimbledon line judge. Wendy has attended the prestigious tennis championships for nearly 30 years, often officiating on centre court! We learned about how to become a line judge, what their job entails and how technology has been introduced into their work – from pen and paper to tablet! She revealed some of the long standing traditions that line judges have to follow – the precise wearing of their £2,000 uniform, what can be worn with what and how it must be carried if not actually being worn, and the strategic placing of the Robinsons Barely water bottles under the umpires chair to ensure the label is easily seen by the media. Her all-time favourite tennis star is Federer – a real gentleman – considerate, polite to all.

During coffee Wendy judged the competition, Your Own Sporting Achievement.

Doreen Roderick was first, Elayne Green second and Sue Hilling third.

As usual Kesgrave WI has a full programme of events during the coming year, including the Annual General Meeting for East Suffolk WIs in early March celebrating their 100th year at Trinity Park. Also Suffolk Show competitions, a craft day, Kesgrave Fun Day, a visit to The Hut at Felixstowe and Christmas Lunch, the monthly Scrabble evening, walks and a craft group along with all the various monthly speakers Our next meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre at 7.15pm on Thursday, March 7 when we will be having a cookery demonstration by one of the members. Visitors are very welcome to join us. If you require information please call the secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

iPSWICH FLOWER CLUB WELCOMES NATIONAL DEMONSTRATORS We would like to invite you to our meeting on March 11 when David Thomson, an experienced NAFAS demonstrator, presents Flowers My Way. The meeting starts at 2pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road.

The cost for visitors is £5 which includes tea and biscuits. You will be warmly welcomed if you just turn up, but for more information please contact Janet: 01473 415749 The flower club meets regularly on the second Monday afternoon of the month. We also have six Friday afternoon workshops during the year which are suitable for all standards of flower arrangers. The workshop on March 29 will be a cascade arrangement and will be tutored by Anne Bell, a NAFAS demonstrator and teacher. A cascade arrangement is made in a tall container with plant material flowing down one side.

If you are interested in the workshop, which will cost £12, please contact Stella: 01473 711946

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL FLOWER CLUB On January 24 we had a return visit from Debbie Buckle from Kirton. Debbie is a florist and her arrangements were really lovely and so different. Her flowers were of a very high standard and the evening was a great success.

Her knowledge about flowers is amazing and the whole evening was enjoyed by all who attended.

For our February meeting we will have Kate Stangaad from Essex with The Sound of Bow Bells.

In September we will be holding an open meeting when we will be meeting at Kesgrave Community Hall, Bell Lane, Kesgrave. We hold an open meeting every three years. This year Lee Berrall from Northampton will be the demonstrator.

Tickets will be £18 to include a buffet before the meeting and there will be various stalls for you to browse at. Tickets will be available from March and can be obtained from Delcie Corbett, details below. We look forward to seeing you and many visitors.

Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, except at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew. Demonstrations start at 7.15pm but the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales tables and buy raffle tickets for the arrangement created in the demonstrations.

The £40 annual subscription is due on March 31. Visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting.

For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com www.nafas.org.uk/clubs/orwell-flower-club

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP Many thanks to all volunteers who helped clear the perimeter track at January’s work morning. It’s a job that never ends, but is certainly well appreciated by users of the woods. Looking back and seeing the progress we’ve made is incredibly satisfying (even when you consider that before too long the leaves and mulch will have returned and the whole process will need doing again!). Keeping the track clear has always been a priority to ensure the most used part of the woods remains accessible and safe to use, but also to ensure a tangible remnant of the area’s wartime history remains visible to those coming through the woods to observe and reflect on.

The Nature Explorers used the weekend to progress our project to create a bat habitat from an underground bunker used as an air raid shelter for those who served on the airfield. It should be noted though that there is No Unauthorised Access to the area that surrounds the bunker (the Education Area) and so unfortunately it can only be observed from the adjacent path.

DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages): Saturday, March 16, 10am-noon.

Meet at the Education Area.

Tools, training and light refreshments provided.

All welcome; no need to book.

Nature Explorers (11-18 year olds): Saturday, March 16, 9-11am.

Please book a place via our email below.

Nature Watch Club (ages 5-11): 2019 dates to be confirmed.

New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information, please contact us on 01473 612632 / pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com, visit our website or join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

George Pennick / Photo by S Corley www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net

ANOTHER TASTE OF FLOWER ARRANGING Deben Flower Club is offering you the opportunity to learn the wonderful skill of flower arranging at another of our very popular free workshops on Saturday, March 30 in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU. This will be a fun and relaxed day and you will learn how to arrange a spring basket and make a unique decoration to attach to a wine bottle, giving your gift an attractive and individual touch.

No experience is needed and our expert tutor will guide you step by step throughout the day. All you will need to do is bring along your flowers and a basket. There will be floral foam, dishes and the bottle arrangement holder available to purchase on the day should you not have them already. The cost of all three would be approximately £5.

Tea and coffee will be available but you will need to bring a packed lunch. The class will run from 10/10.30am to approximately 3pm.

Booking is essential and full instructions and a list of required flowers with directions will be sent when you book your place.

We hope this unique offer will then inspire you to join Deben Flower Club and learn more. The club meets in Kirton Church Hall on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. Visitors are always welcome to come along and see what we do.

If you are interested in booking or would like more information, please contact Wendy: wa@sandlings.co.uk / 01394 411422

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM ART GROUP

SUFFOLK ORCHID SOCIETY

We are a small friendly group of people who currently meet in The Richards Rooms, Martlesham to paint together. Our meetings are held every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30-4pm and, at present, we have a limited number of vacancies. Our sessions are not tutored, but we gain from each others ideas and experience.

Suffolk Orchid Society will be holding its spring show on Saturday, March 30 at St Michael’s Church Centre, (near Douglas Bader Public House), Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL, between 10am and 4pm.

We meet all year round with the exception of August and around two or three weeks over the Christmas/New Year period. Payment is made on a six monthly basis or weekly if you prefer.

If you would like to join us or want to know more please either call in and meet us one Wednesday afternoon or ring Diane on 01473 659257.

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB Fifteen ladies braved the ice and snow in January and enjoyed an interesting and moving talk by The Rev Mandy Reynolds who works as a Chaplin at Ipswich Hospital. Hopefully the weather will have improved for our next meetings. On March 14 June Eaton will demonstrate how to make hats and fascinators and members will be able to try for themselves under her expert tuition.

On March 28 Nick Barber will describe his work as an auctioneer and bring some items to value.

Looking forward to next month, on April 11 we are having an Easter Quiz and Fish and Chip Supper.

All ladies are very welcome at our meetings which are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room.

To find out more ring Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

In addition to a magnificent display of our member’s orchids there will be first class orchids for sale, re-potting demonstrations and advice on the cultivation of orchids including solving problems that may be encountered in their care.

Refreshments including light lunches will be available during the day.

Admission is £1.

GETTING BRIDGE PLAYED IN SCHOOLS Ipswich and Kesgrave Bridge Club (I&K) has taken its first steps into junior Bridge by visiting local primary schools as part of our strategy to get more people playing the game in our area.

In December, members of I&K ran an afternoon Bridge session with pupils in Years 5 and 6 at Elmsett Primary School where pupils learnt the basics of the game from counting points, following suit and winning tricks in partnership.

At a more local level, Heath Primary School has started a Thursday afternoon Bridge Club (supported by I&K). The club is open to Key Stage 2 students and has been well received by the school and pupils alike. Already, pupils are learning about leads, signals and card combinations. The club also featured on the Heath News website where students were interviewed about what they had learned.

It just goes to prove you are never too young or old to learn Bridge.

If you are a Bridge player and want to know more about the various ways we look to help our members improve their game, or just want to know more about us, please visit our website or contact us at: greencj06@hotmail.co.uk / www.bridgewebs.com/ipswich

an ideal venue available to hire If you’re searching for a venue to hold a party, celebration or charity fundraising night, then Ipswich School Sports Centre in Rushmere may be just the place you’re looking for.

Planning a party?

Lounge and bar available to hir e at Ipswich School Sports Centre, Rushmere

Phone for more details

01473 272525 www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

The centre has a newly refurbished bar and lounge which can be hired for events. With tables and chairs, comfortable low chairs and a goodsized dance floor, your hire also includes the use of the bar where you can buy drinks served by our staff - so you can concentrate on being the perfect host!

Whilst some venues may insist on you using their own caterers, at Ipswich School Sports Centre you can bring your own food with you to serve to your guests, which can make it a much cheaper option for your party night. Of course, the centre is happy to suggest catering and disco companies if you don’t know where to start. The bar serves a range of drinks including real ale, premium lager, Aspalls cider and a range of flavoured gins.

The lounge can accommodate up to 120 guests, depending on the event. There is also a large car park on site. In the summer months, there is a balcony where you can sit and enjoy some fresh air; indeed the centre has three astroturf pitches, tennis courts and a grass area as well, so can be hired for a company fun-day or bigger event.

The hire cost for the lounge is just £150 on a Friday or Saturday night and even better – if you are hiring facilities for a charity fundraising event, it will cost just £50. Other prices do sometimes apply, depending on the length of time the lounge is booked for, so if you have a different requirement, you can contact the centre where staff will be happy to discuss what you need.

For more information please call Mandy at Ipswich School Sports Centre on 01473 272525 or email mlc@ipswich.school. She will be delighted to show you around the centre, and discuss the arrangements for your event.

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH RSPB LOCAL GROUP Ipswich RSPB Local Group is coming to the end of the winter season of indoor meetings.However, new members and visitors are always welcome.

We have two meetings coming up: Birds, their Hidden World with Peter Holden in March and following our AGM in April we have BTO Garden Birdwatch Development Manager Claire Boothb speaking on The All Year Garden Birdwatch Survey and its Importance. We start again in September with Costa Rica Explored with Ian Barthorpe, RSPB Minsmere Visitor Experience Officer who will be well known to many.

Indoor meetings take place on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in Rushmere St Andrews Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere IP5 1DH between September and April (inclusive).

You don’t need to be a member either of the national organisation or the local group. Charges, which include refreshments, are £5 for non-members and £2.50 and £2.30 (concessions) for members of the local group. Young people under 16 (who must be accompanied) are free.

Walks, which are free, include Alton Water, Felixstowe Ferry and the River Deben, Kiln Meadow, Spring and Wolves Wood. Park walks, which take place during the week, include Bourne, Bridge Wood, Orwell Country Park and Pipers Vale.

DO YOU HAVE AN UP TO DATE WILL? Most of us are living longer and at present the over 65s make up 18 per cent of the population and this is due to increase to 24 per cent in 2036. As we live longer we need to be aware that most of us will require temporary or permanent care whether this is in our own home or in residential care.

Age Legal Services was established by Sacha Tiller in 2011 as she realised that making the important decision about planning for your later life is something that many of us keep putting off until an accident, injury or illness occurs.

As Sacha says: “Sometimes it’s heart breaking. I do a visit to discuss Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, but have to advise that it could be too late as I have concerns about their mental capacity. When you live with someone every day, sometimes you don’t see how quickly they can deteriorate.”

In later life we will all need to appoint someone we trust to manage our finances and healthcare needs. Over one million of us last year took out a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). A LPA enables us to ‘safely’ nominate a person/s we trust to make decisions for us ‘only’ when we are no longer able to.

Twitter: @IpswichRSPB

Sacha works extensively in our community helping people to put their legal affairs in order. Having an up to date Last Will and Testament avoids costly probate fees, enables our estate to be distributed earlier and reduces the likelihood of a challenge or dispute amongst beneficiaries.

Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group

For a no-obligation discussion call Sacha on: 01206 820638

Further information for both indoor and outdoor meetings can be found on: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich

A NIGHT OUT WITH IPSWICH TOWN PASTORS Town Pastors is a voluntary organisation that operates in a number of towns in Suffolk and beyond. Visible in their yellow hi-viz jackets with the Town Pastor Logo and baseball cap (woolly hat in winter), they patrol in pairs on Friday and Saturday nights, late into the night, looking out for people who have had a little too much to drink, lost their friends, or who may just need some water or a bit of chocolate. Over the past twelve years we have become known and respected by late-night revellers, often with a remark such as “You saved my brother from a night in the cells”, or “You looked after my mate when she was blind drunk”.

The night-time economy – bars, clubs, fast food outlets and taxi services – that operate until up to four in the morning (and the police presence required to cover it) is something of which most of us are totally unaware.

At night a different animal walks the town. Night-time Ipswich is nothing like Ipswich in the daytime. Young and not-quite so young people come into the town centre in groups to have a good time.

The main flow of pedestrian traffic is between the Cattle Market and Cardinal Park. At two in the morning Silent Street is not particularly silent as alcohol seems to make people think everyone else is hard of hearing.

The atmosphere is largely friendly and safe. In our early days it was more like the Wild West, with tension and fighting going on all around, but things have settled remarkably over the years.

Our work is often with people who have become casualties of drink, and sometime people who’ve been taking other substances. We’ll stay with them, give them water, help to sober them up, and eventually get them to a taxi. Taxi drivers do not take anyone who looks drunk in case they throw up in the taxi. Sometimes we’re able to call mum or dad, or hubby-at-home, and they’ll come out to fetch their loved ones. We meet and assist

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many people celebrating their eighteenth birthday who have seriously miscalibrated their capacity for alcohol.

We sometimes come across people who are by themselves. One young lady had been ditched by her friends because she’d got too drunk, and they left her on a bench by herself and went off to the next club venue without her. Another had been in an abusive relationship and we spent time listening to what she’d been through and how her partner’s manipulative treatment of her left her with no self-worth.

One young man asked us where the nearest car park was. He didn’t look like he’d be safe driving a car. He was actually looking for a high-rise building so that he could throw himself off it. We tried to get him to talk, but he marched off at speed. Town Pastors are recruited from churches, so prayer is one of our tools in situations like these. We did just that, praying that he’d find a couple of police officers who could assess and refer him. We tried to keep up, but lost him. As we came out into the Cattle Market he was nowhere to be seen. We looked back and realised we’d walked straight past him, flanked safely by two police officers.

A young lady poured out to us the story of her abortion a few months ago. She was overcome by guilt and shame, and said she didn’t deserve to be alive. Her friends, mother and the boyfriend had pushed her to get rid of the baby, and now she was filled with grief and self-condemnation.

Our offer to pray for her was taken up, and she joined us in a prayer for forgiveness, and accepting that she was loved.

Homelessness is a problem in all our towns. We meet people who are clearly living rough, but we are also aware of people who, even though they have somewhere to live, will still come out to beg. Some of our homeless are casualties of their poor mental health, unable to meet the expectations of housing and other rehabilitation agencies.

Have you considered joining us? Take a look at our website and Facebook page to find out more: www.ipswichtownpastors.org.uk

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OUT & ABout / Schools IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, March 28: Zeppelin Raids Over East Anglia by Ian Mclachlan Wednesday, April 24: The Steam Tug by Janet Hall We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich; entrance via the rear car park. visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.

01473 422145 / www.idhts.co.uk

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY Our last meeting was a member’s display evening where members brought along items to display from their own collections. As usual it turned out to be very entertaining. We were treated to exhibits of early fiscal stamps and informed how they were made and where the money raised went – to finance the ten year war with France. We were also shown some very early penny blacks on covers from our local area and some Channel Island issues from the Second World War. April is a busy month as we have Richard Hall talking about Apartheid & Cape of Good Hope on Wednesday 3 and our annual auction is at Cedarwood School on April 17 with viewing from 5pm and the auction starting at 6.45pm.

It’s the perfect opportunity to buy more stamps or to start a collection.

On Saturday 27 we have our Stamp Fair at Kesgrave Community Centre from 10am to 4pm. At this event we are also hosting STAMPESSEX which will give you the opportunity to buy and sell stamps from a number of dealers and also to view the spring competition entries from across Essex and South Suffolk.

This event is a great opportunity to find out more about philately/stamp collecting.

For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com www.ipswichphilatelic.uk

ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet on the second Thursday of each month for lunch followed by a speaker at Ipswich Sports Club on Henley Road.

What is Probus? Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired, gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings, and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends.

If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our Chris Flint for further details: 01473 226996 / mailto@1878.me.uk

BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. They normally include singing, games, crafts and Bible stories. We started the spring term with the Wise Men and made colourful crowns to wear. Other sessions included creating pictures of ourselves and doing songs and stories with lots of actions to join in with. After each session we have refreshments, when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon.

The next session dates are March 11 and 25. You are welcome to come along to any of our mornings; just turn up, no need to let us know in advance.

For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

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THREE BEARS PLAYGROUP This term the children have been busy with winter activities and learning about change through exploring ice and making soup. It was great to see all the children tasting the delicious vegetable soup at snack time.

We held our ‘WOW Winter Workshop’ where parents and children came to play and learn together. Lots of ice, shaving foam, shredded paper and gloop meant much fun was had by us all.

We would like to thank everyone who supported us during the Bags of Help at Tesco. The money raised is being put towards our outdoor classroom, which is in the process of being built and will be with us for the summer term.

Three Bears Playgroup is graded Outstanding by Ofsted. We have a lovely indoor playroom and a large garden area. Our staff are all qualified in Early Years and Childcare and work with enthusiasm and professionalism to support each child’s individual interests.

We are open term time from 9am-4pm; children can attend a variety of sessions across the week.

If you are interested in a place for your child at a fantastic setting with amazing staff, it’s never too early to register with us. Call in for a registration form, email us or visit our website.

Three Bears Playgroup, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave IP5 2ES 01473 635255 / threebearsplaygroup@btconnect.com www.threebearsplaygroup.org.uk

hedgehog nursery at gorseland primary school A deliciously icy spell enabled us to explore what happens when we heat up ice or make water cold. We used our warm hands to make handprints all over different surfaces, experimented with painting on the snow and ice, and built miniature snow people (we still have a mini one living in the nursery freezer!). The Hedgehogs enjoyed making up stories for animals that are found in the polar lands and finding out facts about them when we visited the non-fiction section of our library.

Hedgehogs enjoy weekly woodland activities in our own special forest. They explore the woodland with their senses and join in with a wide variety of activities. These include making treasure strings, story strips, swinging in the hammock, spinning on the rope swing, climbing trees, looking for wildlife with magnifying glasses, weaving and lashing sticks together, making bird feeders and making their own binoculars, to mention just a few!

We warmly welcome families from our community to come and visit and we have the following two open events in April: Thursday, April 25, 10-11am Tuesday, April 30, 1.30-2.30pm Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the school office to arrange a visit.

Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs T Haig Hedgehog Nursery is open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-6pm for three and four year olds. If you would like more information please or contact the school office on 01473 623790 or visit: www.gorseland.net FACILITIES FOR HIRE AT GORSELAND SCHOOL Gorseland School is lucky to have excellent facilities in the form of a multiuse games area (MUGA), large Astroturf pitch, two playgrounds and two indoor halls. These facilities are available for the benefit of the general public on weekday evenings and throughout school holidays for a very competitive fee. The facilities are currently used for after school clubs, sporting groups, Scout and Guiding groups, fitness classes and other oneoff events. Weekly, monthly or ad hoc bookings are all welcomed. Parking is available on site. For further information or to make a booking please contact the school office: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net

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Schools / Sport HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY

Wow, I can’t believe it is nearly half term already. The children have been busy learning about machines and robots this half term. They created two giant junk box robots out of the recycled materials that they collected as part of our Planet Protection topic, and then they made their own mini-bots and designed their own machines in the robot tinker shop. We also had a surprise visit from Elmer which has given us inspiration to design our own Elmer elephants for the St. Elizabeth’s Hospice Learning Parade.

We have also had lots of fun reading different versions of the traditional tale The Three Little Pigs, which linked nicely with our Chinese New Year – The Year of the Pig – celebrations. As part of our celebrations, we printed Chinese blossoms on wall hangings, played with five spice play dough, built the Great Wall of China from Duplo and used chopsticks to collect lucky coins from the water tray of rice. We were also able to link our weekly cooking activity to Chinese New Year: the children made Chinese spring rolls, which involved cutting a selection of seven vegetables including bean sprouts, pepper and ginger before mixing with Chinese spices, egg noodles and soy sauce and rolling in filo pastry.

Nursery Open Morning: Wednesday, March 6, 9.30am Although our school nursery is full at the moment, we are now accepting applications and allocating places for September 2019. If you would like to find out more about our fantastic, teacher-led school nursery, and see us in action, come along to our open morning.

If you can’t make this date or time, then don’t worry. You can call the school office on 01473 622806 and arrange an appointment for a guided tour at a time that is convenient to you.

Nursery Teacher Helen Whatley

IPSWICH WANDERERS FC Wanderers ended their run of defeats by knocking Haverhill out of the Suffolk Senior Cup in an interesting quarter-final at The Doucy, Wanderers’ home ground. The final score of 2-0 could have been bigger, but the home crowd were happy to see their team break the recent duck and move into the last four of this prestigious competition. The draw for the semi-finals will include Cornard United, Achilles and Henley. At the time of writing Suffolk FA have not made the draw or named the dates of the ties.

Promotion back to the Premier Division is now just a distant hope, but the Suffolk Senior Cup is firmly in the plans of 1st Team managers Mark Goldfinch and James Buckle. It has just been announced that the final will be played at Portman Road in May so our season is still very much alive.

The Under 18s have had their season disrupted by the weather but, with games in hand, Jonty Boon’s team can still win the Central Division of the Thurlow Nunn Youth League. Spectators are welcome at The Doucy for the Under 18’s forthcoming fixtures: Thursday, February 28: Under 18s v Woodbridge Town KO 7.45pm Thursday, March 7: Under 18s v Coplestonians KO 7.45pm Upcoming 1st Team matches at The Doucy, Humber Doucy Lane: Saturday, March 9: 1st Team v March Town United (League) KO 3pm Saturday, March 23: 1st Team v Fakenham Town (League) KO 3pm If you fancy helping out on 1st Team matchdays, you will be made very welcome. There is much to do and help is needed. Just turn up and volunteer.

You will be made very welcome at your local Step 6 ground, The Doucy.

Admission prices for 1st Team games are £6 (£4 for concessions). There is a clubhouse with bar and hot food. Come and cheer on the Wanderers.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE NEWS The club has kicked 2019 off to a flying start! On Sunday, January 13, five club members travelled to Leicester Arena to compete in the EKF Kyu Grade National Championships.

Chloe Campbell, Jessica Etherington, Amelia Clow, Dylan Barnes and Callum Evans represented the club at the first national championships of 2019. In her first national championship, Chloe didn’t medal but gained valuable experience. Dylan performed really well and achieved a bronze medal in 14-15 year old boys Kata. Amelia and Jessica found themselves in the awkward position of meeting each other in the final! Jessica had to settle for second place this time, meaning Amelia is the new EKF Kyu Grade National Kata Champion (14-15 year old girls). Callum Evans also found himself in a national championships final, having to fight for the Team Kumite gold medal. Unfortunately the team were just out-scored, but still left Callum with a fantastic silver medal.

It was then off to Germany for the Hamburg Open on February 2, where club member and instructor Georgie Lawson came away with gold in the under-21 open weight Kumite and silver in the -61kg Kumite. Fantastic results!

From 7pm on Friday, April 5 we are holding our Family Race Night at Kesgrave Social Club on Edmonton Road. The event is open to the public so do come along and join us for an entertaining evening and a chance to win some races and fantastic prizes. Tickets can be purchased on the door or in advance from the karate club. Please email sharonmbuckley@hotmail.com or visit our Facebook page @northgatekarate for further information.

We are a family friendly Karate club and welcome new members. Karate is a great way to make new friends and there are always rewarding opportunities available. Regular practice has continual benefits, both physical and mental. It increases fitness/stamina, strength/tone, flexibility, balance, self-confidence, self-control, mental awareness and co-ordination. We offer a free trial lesson, so why not come along and give Karate a go? For details of the various classes we hold for both adults and children in Kesgrave and Ipswich, as well as other locations in Suffolk.

Contact us at: admin@northgate-karate.co.uk / 01473 622707 www.northgate-karate.co.uk

KESGRAVE BOWLS CLUB Firstly, I wish all our members a very happy New Year and hope that most of you have been able to avoid the dreaded colds and coughs.

The new season is nearly upon us, hard to believe I know with all the cold and damp weather about.

Members please note that our pre-season meeting is on Wednesday, April 3 in the Bowls Pavilion (6.45 for 7pm). You will be able to obtain your fixture list and membership card that evening. Any potential new members are welcome to attend and there will be several committee members available to have a chat with to hopefully encourage people to join our friendly club.

Our open day is on Saturday, April 13 and hopefully we will have a good turnout.

Let’s hope the new season goes well, but most importantly everyone thoroughly enjoys their bowls.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all again and if anyone would like to discuss joining, I am always happy to go through everything with you.

Just give me a call. Joyce Fisher: 01473 626075

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CHURCH NEWS

So far, we have escaped the rough winter weather which some counties have experienced. Very soon now we can look forward to spring-like days which we can enjoy. Once again we are reminded of God’s promise that summer and winter, springtime and harvest shall never cease.

On Friday, March 1 at 2pm, World Day of Prayer is to be celebrated at The Salvation Army Citadel, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. This year the service has been prepared by Christians in Slovenia and is entitled Come, Everything is Ready. Various people from local churches will be taking part and everyone is welcome.

OUR USUAL SERVICES Sunday

10.45am and 6.30pm

Monday

6.15-7.30pm: FFaF Children’s Club for School Years 2-6

7.15pm: Spring for Youth

Wednesday

2.30pm: Friendship Hour on the second Wednesday of each month

2pm: Rag Tag Club on the first Wednesday of each month.

For anybody, of any age, who would like to attend for chat games… whatever you want it to be. To find out more please ring Myrna: 01473 728361

Thursday Friday Saturday

7pm: Art & Craft Group 12.30pm: Luncheon Club 9.15am every week: Rushmere Ducklings for Babies & Tots 10.30am-noon: Meeting Point Coffee Morning on the fourth Saturday

Minister: The Rev Heather Marsden Church Number: 01473 721455

Secretary: Mrs Jean Cutting www.rushmerebaptist.org.uk

BIXLEY FARM CHURCH AT TOWER HALL Mothering Sunday is on March 31. This is a special day set aside to give thanks for mothers all over the world. If you have a mother why not bring her along to Tower Hall on Sunday at 4pm to join with other mothers, relax and have tea and cake to thank them for all they do. We will be praising God for the selfless love of mothers all over the world and praying for mothers who aren’t able to provide children with the life they want for them. There will be an activity for children and a time for them to give thanks to their mothers.

Our Alpha course which seeks to introduce the basics of Christian faith started at the end of January and there is a small group of people meeting every Sunday at 1pm at Tower Hall. They meet to share a meal, watch a short video and discuss questions about life and Christian faith in a non-judgemental way.

At a time when truths can seem illusive and making exclusive claims for a particular faith seems against the spirit of the age, come and share your doubts and find out what the Christian faith is all about. Even if you have missed some sessions you are still welcome to come along and join in. Call the number below or email: pete@mie.org.uk The toddler group, Little Lambs, continues to run from 9.15-11am every Friday during term time at the Tower Hall. This allows children to play and explore in safety and mothers are able to meet, make new friendships and enjoy a cuppa.

Each month our pastor sets a different theme. This month our church theme is ‘Do You Know Him?’. We have been asked to examine our relationship with God and our scripture reference comes from the Book of Mark chapter 8, verses 27 to 29 where Jesus first asks His disciples ‘who do men say that I am?’ and then ‘but who do you say that I am?’.

Pastor’s question to us is ‘do we know Him for ourselves through our own learning, experiences and relationship or is it through what other people say?’. Everyone has different ways of learning. It is said there are seven styles of gaining knowledge – visual, aural, verbal, physical, logical, social and solitary. Oftentimes these overlap and are mixed, but we are all in there somewhere and at times we may use any or all of them.

Unfortunately most education systems only use book based teaching, repetition and pressure exams to get results and those whose style doesn’t fall into those categories are all to often dismissed with less than complimentary labels. God sees us all as equals and has time for each and every one of us.

Want to find out how we see God then…

See you on Sunday.

Join us on Sunday mornings at 11.30am (Adult and Children’s Sunday Schools 10.30am) at The Ark Church, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. You can contact us via email at arkipswichuk@gmail.com. We can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter @arkipswich or online at www.arkipswich.co.uk where you will find up-to-date information on what’s happening at the Ark each week.

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Prayer is essential to our Christian lives. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” Matthew 18:20. We organise extra prayer meetings for 45mins at Tower Hall on the first Thursday of every month at 7pm and again at 8pm. Different people attend on each occasion and anyone is welcome to pray, listen or ask for prayer.

If something is troubling you or you want to give thanks please come and join us.

There are also now two evening home groups meeting locally on Tuesdays and on alternate Wednesdays. These are small groups that join together to study God’s word. We are currently looking at the person of Christ. We also enjoy fellowship and refreshments. If you would like find out more or join a home group please contact us via the details below.

As always, everyone is welcome to join us each Sunday for our regular weekly service at Tower Hall from 4-5pm. There are opportunities to speak to clergy or other members of the church, with time for personal prayer at the end. Holy Communion is celebrated every other Sunday.

Bixley Farm Church (CofE) was initiated by St John’s, Cauldwell Hall Road and St Andrew’s, Britannia Road (collectively called Mission Ipswich East, MIE).

For further information/questions visit www.mie.org/bixley or contact: office@mie.org.uk / 01473 270978

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